This American Life: Cat and Mouse

This American Life: Cat and Mouse

In This American Life: Cat and Mouse﻿, airing Thursday, October 6 at 9 p.m. on AM 1370/FM-HD 91.5-2.﻿, host Ira Glass talks to Adam Stein about the very real cat-and-mouse game between his friends and the vice principal of his high school that preoccupied them throughout their high school careers.

Act One. El Gato Y El Ratoncito.

Just near the US-Mexico border, a group of self described "pissed off patriots" called the Minutemen stake out illegal immigrants trying to cross the border. They've got call-signs and walkie-talkies and guns. But not long after they've set up their observation posts, another group shows up to cause trouble. In the dark of night, in the high desert of California, the chase begins. James Spring embeds himself for the night.

Act Two. Hello Kitty.

A new story by David Sedaris about what happens when natural enemies meet in an Alcoholics Anonymous program in prison. David's the author of many books, including Dress Your Family in Cordoroy and Denim.

Act Three. Looking For Loveseats In All The Wrong Places.

It's been well over a decade, so why can't Eric, who is in many other respects a measured and reasonable person, select a simple piece of furniture? David Segal of the Washington Post attempts to explain why the man can't just buy himself a couch, already.

Act Four. Spray My Name, Spray My Name.﻿

In a way, it's the most classic cat-and-mouse game of all: A nimble graffiti writer dashes out into the night to leave his mark. Watching and waiting for him are the stronger—if less agile—NYPD Vandal Squad, whose sole mission is their arrest. Brian Thomas Gallagher reports.